The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has informed motorists of a product safety recall affecting certain Toyota and Lexus models sold in South Africa.
The NCC was notified by Toyota South Africa Motors and Lexus South Africa Motors of a recall applying to 4,858 Toyota units and 1,667 Lexus units, for a total of 6,525 vehicles.
Starting with Toyota, the notice applies to the Toyota Crown, Land Cruiser 300, Prado, RAV4, and bZ4X electric SUV.
These units were made available for sale nationally between 2022 and 2025.
The cars are equipped with a Parking Assist Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which forms part of the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system that displays the rear-view camera image.
According to the supplier, the software in the Parking Assist ECU may cause the rear-view image to briefly freeze when reverse gear is selected shortly after the vehicle is started. In some instances, the rear-view image may fail to display entirely.
As for Lexus, the recall affects the following models: ES, GX, LC500, LX500/700, LX600/500d, NX, RX, RZ, and LUX.
The affected vehicles were sold between 2021 and 2025.
The luxury manufacturer identified the same issues with the Parking Assist ECU software when using the rearview camera.
It noted that drivers may not have a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a collision or accident during a backing event.
The NCC said that owners of the affected models are urged to take their vehicles to the nearest authorised Toyota or Lexus dealership for an inspection.
The necessary repairs and software updates will be carried out at no cost to the consumer.
Individuals who have queries regarding this recall can contact the NCC using [email protected].
Another Toyota recall in South Africa
This is the latest in a growing list of recalls issued by Toyota South Africa Motors this year.
In late May, the carmaker put out a notice for 146 Hino 300 series commercial vehicles sold in South Africa.
“According to the supplier, an incorrect component might have been installed in the circuit board of the combination meter,” said the NCC.
“This may cause the component to overheat and result in a malfunction of the speedometer and/or odometer.”
“A malfunction of the speedometer and/or odometer may increase the risk of unsafe driving conditions.”
In April this year, Toyota recalled 58 Hino 700 series trucks sold in 2025.
“The affected vehicles have a defect in that the fuel pump housing has an inappropriate surface treatment process done during production,” said the NCC.
“Cracks may develop when repeated high load is applied to the supply pump, resulting in a fuel leak.”
In March, Toyota and Lexus put out a notice for 1,846 Land Cruiser 300 and 110 Lexus LX SUVs sold in South Africa between January 2025 and 2026.
The SUVs, which share a platform, were identified with the same fault.
“According to the supplier, if a solenoid failure occurs under certain driving conditions, the Transmission Electronic Control Unit (T-ECU) and the Engine ECU may not communicate the failure, resulting in the transmission over-revving in specific gears,” said the NCC.
“If certain damage occurs to the transmission housing, there is also the possibility for transmission fluid to leak from the housing.”
“This could increase the risk of a crash or fire if an ignition source is present.”
Loading ...
